Sweet, crisp, and endlessly versatile, corn is the star of summer—and the perfect ingredient to brighten up any meal. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or mixing it into a salad or dip, corn adds a pop of flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. This roundup brings together a variety of creative corn recipes—from classic comfort food to global-inspired sides—that showcase just how many delicious ways there are to enjoy this golden grain.
And since July is National Corn Month, we’ve gathered a collection of easy recipes that celebrate the best of in-season corn.
Corn Production in the United States
Corn is king when it comes to U.S. agriculture. In 2024, American farmers harvested nearly 15 billion bushels—even with fewer acres planted, thanks to record-high yields. Iowa led the way, as usual, with Illinois and Indiana close behind. Most of that corn goes to feed, fuel, and exports, not directly to our plates—but it’s still a staple on the farm and in the kitchen.
Whether you’re growing it, using it for feed and fuel, or cooking with it, corn continues to be a powerhouse crop across the heartland.
Different Types of Corn
- Dent Corn: The most common field corn with a dented kernel, mainly used for animal feed, ethanol, and processed foods.
- Sweet Corn: What we eat fresh or canned, harvested young for its tender, sweet kernels.
- Flint Corn: Hard-shelled corn with colorful kernels, used for cornmeal and decoration.
- Popcorn: A special type of flint corn that pops when heated, perfect for snacking.
- Flour Corn: Soft kernels are excellent for grinding into flour and are often used in baking and for making tortillas.
Each type has its role—whether for feed, fuel, or food for the FarmHER’s table.
CORN 101: FIVE CLASSIC WAYS TO COOK CORN
Corn is one of the most versatile ingredients out there, and there are countless ways to enjoy its sweet, satisfying flavor. Whether fresh from the field or your pantry, these five classic cooking methods bring out the best in corn—perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to festive gatherings—and even freezing to preserve its freshness and flavor for months!
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Recipe by Unicorns in the Kitchen
Fire up the grill and get ready for one of summer’s ultimate delights: grilled corn on the cob! Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just enjoying a sunny afternoon, learn the secrets to grilling corn to perfection.
COOK’S TIP: You can also grill corn inside its husks! Just be sure to snip off the silks at the top and then soak the ears in salted water before grilling to prevent burning. They should cook in about 25-30 minutes on the cold side of the grill, turning them by a quarter every 5-10 minutes.
How to Boil Corn (Two-Minute Pressure Cooker Recipe)
Recipe by FarmHER Deanne Frieders at This Farm Girl Cooks
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish, look no further than FarmHER Deanne Frieder‘s Instant Pot Corn on the Cob recipe. Tender corn cooks up in only two minutes, meaning it’s a no-fuss side dish we can enjoy all summer long!
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Recipe by Simple Happy Foodie
Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob is a simple vegetable side dish that can be prepared at any time of the year. Roasting corn in the oven gives it the char and grilled flavor without needing a grill. This method of cooking corn on the cob without foil uses parchment instead. A savory garlic-herb butter spread adds lots of flavor. Give corn on the cob roasted in the oven a try, you’ll love it!
Cast Iron Corn on the Cob with Basil-Lemon Butter
Recipe by Celebrated Herb
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just sprucing up your weeknight dinner, this Cast-Iron Corn delivers major summer vibes when you don’t feel like standing over a hot grill. And instead of plain butter? We’re mixing up a quick basil lemon butter with herbs straight from the garden. It’s fresh, bright, and the kind of topping that makes you look like you know what you’re doing.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Recipe by Mama Likes to Cook
We love it when corn on the cob is in season and at its peak in terms of freshness and flavor. It’s quick and easy to make delicious Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, so you can enjoy this summer favorite without breaking a sweat. No oven required!
How to Freeze Sweet Corn
Recipe by FarmHER Deanne Frieders at This Farm Girl Cooks
When you grow a lot of corn, you eat a lot of corn. And when you grow and eat a lot of corn, you know the best way to savor the freshness and flavor of peak-season corn is to freeze it. Thankfully, FarmHER Deanne Frieders, aka This Farm Girl Cooks, gives us a step-by-step tutorial on how she likes to freeze corn grown on her family’s corn and soybean farm in Illinois.
CORN APPETIZERS AND CORN SIDE DISHES
Corn makes a delicious base for both appetizers and side dishes, adding a burst of sweetness and texture to any meal. From cheesy dips to fresh salads, these recipes demonstrate just how easy it is to transform simple corn into crowd-pleasing starters and delicious accompaniments.
Creamed Corn
Recipe by Little Sunny Kitchen
Make this Classic Creamed Corn from scratch, and never buy canned corn again! Creamed corn is a tasty and straightforward Southern side dish, perfect for serving at the Holidays or your next summer BBQ.
Coraroni (Cheesy Macaroni and Corn Casserole)
Recipe by FarmHER Chuckie Hessong at Laughing Rooster Eats
Cornaroni is a household favorite from the kitchen of FarmHER Chuckie Hessong, made with canned corn, uncooked pasta, and cheese, and it easily bakes up extra creamy and delicious. Chuckie says: “Cornaroni has earned multiple purple ribbons at our local 4-H County Fair, graces our holiday table, and is on the list of must-eat dishes for the college kids when they come home for a long weekend.”
Elote (Classic Mexican Street Corn)
Recipe by Cheerful Cook
Elote is smoky, creamy, and everything we love about Mexican Street Corn, from bold flavor to simple summer prep. Grilled corn is slathered with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, and spices, then finished with a final squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning.
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Recipe by Cucina by Elena
This Mexican Street Corn Dip is a guaranteed showstopper. It combines creamy textures with smoky and spicy flavors, perfect for a party or a cozy night in. Enjoy bringing this delightful taste of Mexican-inspired street food to your table! If you love traditional Mexican street corn, this recipe is for you!
Fiesta Salad
Recipe by The Food Blog
This fiesta salad recipe is a colorful salad bursting with fresh flavors! Mexican food enthusiasts will appreciate the blend of sweet corn, black beans, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables. This black bean salad is loaded with crisp red pepper, juicy tomatoes, and red onion tossed in a zesty lime dressing. The corn adds just the right amount of sweetness, while avocado brings in those healthy fats that make this dish satisfying and nutritious.
Corn Nuggets
Recipe by In The Kitch
Corn Nuggets are similar to corn fritters, a savory snack that originated in the South, and the names are sometimes used interchangeably. While corn fritters typically use corn kernels, are usually flat or round, and are fried immediately, these corn nuggets are made from corn kernels, creamed corn, and cornmeal, are shaped like nuggets, and then frozen before frying to maintain their shape.
Shoe Peg Corn Salad
Recipe by Chef Ali
Shoepeg Corn Salad, made with mayonnaise, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, is a refreshing summer salad perfect for parties or as an everyday side dish. The secret to this salad is using Shoepeg Corn to make it extra crunchy, but really, it is delicious with any version of these ingredients!
Roasted Chili and Corn Salsa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)
Recipe by The Food Blog
This Roasted Chili Corn Salsa is a copycat version of the one from Chipotle Mexican Grill. If you have enjoyed this delicious salsa at the restaurant, or even if you haven’t tried it before, be prepared to love this roasted corn salsa recipe.
Fire Roasted Corn and Chorizo Dip
Recipe by Mommy Evolution
When it comes to Mexican food, I like mine smoky, which is why my mouth waters just thinking about this Fire-Roasted Corn and Chorizo Dip. Honestly, in my house, this could just be dinner! However, this makes a fantastic side dish for any backyard BBQ, game day gathering, or Mexican-inspired feast.
Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
Recipe by FarmHER Chuckie Hessong at Laughing Rooster Eats
This Corn Dip with Cream Cheese is especially impressive when you take the extra step to use fresh sweet corn on the cob. However, it’s also easy to make any time of year with canned corn! And let me tell you…that little hit of pepper sauce on top… OooohhhWEE! Bring this dish to dinner with friends, and you will be invited back next Sunday!
CORN MAIN DISHES + BIG SALADS
Corn isn’t just a side—when paired with the right ingredients, it can take center stage as the centerpiece of hearty main dishes, sweet and summery soups, and big, flavorful, fork-and-knife salads. These recipes showcase corn’s versatility, making it easy to create satisfying meals that everyone will enjoy.
Spicy Watermelon Jalepeno Salad with Charred Corn
Recipe by Home Cooking Collective
This Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad with Charred Corn combines juicy pieces of watermelon, charred corn, fresh herbs, and crushed corn nuts in a spicy lime dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for a hot summer day! Plus, it comes together in just under 15 minutes!
Taco Casserole
Recipe by Get Inspired Everyday
This easy-to-make Taco Casserole is the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner” question! It’s easy to make, perfect for weeknights, and looks good enough for entertaining as well. It’s naturally gluten-free and full of flavor, making it a treat the whole family will love. Pile it high with your favorite taco toppings, such as tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream, and top it off with crushed corn chips.
Avocado Corn Salad
Recipe by Beyond the Chicken Coop
This Avocado Corn Salad is filled with corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocados mixed with an easy-to-make fresh lime dressing. Whip this salad together in less than 15 minutes! Perfect for weekday meals or potluck dinners.
Southern Summer Succotash with Bacon, Tomatoes, and Corn
Recipe by Little Black Skillet
Celebrate all that warm-weather produce has to offer with this scrumptious Southern Summer Succotash with Bacon, Tomatoes, and Corn made in my favorite cast-iron skillet! A mixture of fresh sweet corn, lima beans, tomatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh basil makes this a delicious side dish the whole family will love!
Cilantro Chicken Chopped Salad
Recipe by Life as a Strawberry
This easy Cilantro Chicken Salad recipe is ready in 20 minutes! With plenty of veggies and a creamy homemade dressing of Greek yogurt, avocado, and cilantro. Perfect for busy summer evenings!
Roasted Corn and Tomato Soup
Recipe by I Heart Eating
Summer in a bowl! Roasted Tomato and Corn Soup is a delicious soup that combines two summer vegetables into one tasty soup recipe for a light and flavorful lunch or dinner.
Summer Cobb Salad with Corn + Blueberries
Recipe by The Food Geek
This Summer Cobb Salad with Corn and Blueberries also includes zucchini and tomatoes for a seasonal variation. Grilled chicken and corn make this perfect for a summer dinner, or use leftovers from a backyard cookout.
Instant Pot Corn Chowder with Bacon
Recipe by Heavenly Spiced
This creamy, silky Potato Corn Chowder with Bacon recipe utilizes chicken bone broth as its base, resulting in an extra flavorful and nutritious soup (more on that below). Made faster in the Instant Pot, you can have this delicious chowder on the table in under forty minutes. This recipe is the perfect way to use up some of your sweet summer corn. You’re going to love it!
CORN RECIPES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Corn is a global favorite, starring in dishes from every corner of the world. From Latin American classics to African and Asian favorites, these recipes celebrate corn’s incredible versatility and rich cultural roots.
Salted Egg Crispy Cornflakes (Chinese Recipe)
Recipe by Greedy Girl Gourmet
One of the quickest and easiest Chinese New Year (CNY) snacks to make at home: crispy, golden Salted Egg Yolk Cornflakes is also one of the most addictive! It only requires 4-6 ingredients but is savoury, sweet, salty, crunchy, and sometimes spicy! Read through for how to get them super crispy!
Indian-Style Sprouted Beans and Corn Salsa
Recipe by The Spice Adventuress
Sprouted lentils are packed with nutrients, making them a great addition to a healthy diet—but their earthy flavor isn’t for everyone. This recipe for Sprouted Beans and Corn Salsa offers a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy them by pairing sprouted beans with sweet corn, red onion, and tomato in a vibrant salsa. It’s finished with a squeeze of lime and served with crisp roasted pappads for added crunch. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more plant-based proteins into your diet or simply looking for a unique twist on traditional salsa, this dish is a delicious and nutritious option.
Kenyan Githeri (African Succotash)
Recipe by We Eat At Last
Combining the flavors of garam masala, fresh tomatoes, and potatoes, along with other tasty ingredients, this slightly spicy Kenyan Githeri recipe, made without meat, will blow you away!
Jhajhariya – Indian Sweet Corn Pudding
Recipe by Cookilicious
Looking for a quick, dairy-free Indian dessert? Jhajhariya is a traditional sweetcorn pudding made with just four simple ingredients—and it’s vegan and gluten-free. Creamy, fragrant, and full of flavor, this dairy-free milk pudding is prepared in the microwave and comes together in just 15 minutes, making this sweetcorn halwa the perfect last-minute treat for festivals, gatherings, or weeknight indulgence.
Korean-Style Corn Cheese
Recipe by Christina’s Cucina
Corn Cheese is a popular Korean-American side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly good. Often served at Korean barbecue spots, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or stands on its own as a savory snack. Inspired by a memorable meal in Koreatown, this version brings the restaurant experience home with just a few simple ingredients. Quick to make and full of flavor, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a repeat favorite.
BAKED CORN RECIPES + SWEET TREATS
From warm, comforting baked dishes to sweet corn-based treats, these recipes showcase the fantastic range of corn. Whether you’re craving a cozy casserole, savory treat, or a dessert with a corny twist, there’s something here to satisfy every craving.
Mini Elote Gallettes (Savory Pies Filled with Mexican Street Corn)
Recipe by FarmHER Kitchen
There’s no better way to celebrate National Corn Month than with FarmHER Kitchen‘s recipe for Elote Mini Galettes—a fun and flavorful mashup of Mexican street corn and buttery, rustic pie crust. Roasted corn, creamy mayo and crema, zesty spices, and salty cotija cheese all come together in these savory hand pies that are perfect for summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or want to cook something seasonal and special, these golden galettes bring big flavor and farm-fresh flair to any table.
Jiffy Corn Pudding
Recipe by I Heart Naptime
Jiffy Corn Pudding is a staple holiday side dish, but it can also be easily made as a side dish to accompany any meal. It’s a cross between corn pudding and the classic corn casserole, resulting in a sweet, tender, and moist side dish that pairs well with oven-roasted turkey or slow-cooker spiral ham.
Cornflake Crunch Cookies
Recipe by FarmHER Chuckie Hessong at Laughing Rooster Eats
Cornflake Crunch Cookies combine cornflakes, oatmeal, coconut, and two types of chips to create the perfect chewy cookie treat.
Chuckie says, “I wish I had a dollar for every cookie I’ve made through the years. I would be rich. Not to brag, but I’m kind of a cookie-eating expert. But when I want a cookie that is both cruchy and chewy with chocolate chips and butterscotch chips that has fantastic chewiness from coconut, I just have to make these Cornflake Crunch Cookies.”
Cheesy Jalepeno Cornbread
Recipe by The Forked Spoon
This Mexican Cornbread retains all the moist and buttery sweetness of classic cornbread, but adds two types of gooey, melted shredded cheese and diced jalapeños for a spicy flavor kick. Super easy to make and perfect with soup, stew, and chili!
Indulge in gourmet Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Corn—handcrafted, sweet, and crunchy popcorn perfect for gifts, parties, or everyday snacking. Allow the chocolate drizzle to set completely before storing this gourmet popcorn in an airtight container. It will last for weeks, properly stored, but it will likely be gone long before that.
Have a special farm family recipe to share? Submit a recipe to the FarmHER Kitchen for a chance to be featured!
